Intern - UNEP Finance Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. It operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy advocacy. UNEP's mission is to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that promote efficient use of natural resources and safe management of chemicals. The organization has been instrumental in shaping global environmental policies and initiatives, particularly through its Industry and Economy Division, which focuses on sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Job Overview:
The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), which is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors. This initiative has been pivotal in shaping the international sustainable finance agenda for over 32 years. The intern will assist the policy team in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable finance policies and regulations. This position involves a variety of tasks, including communications, event planning, research, and writing. The intern will be expected to contribute to the development of communication content, manage UNEP FI policy team webpages, conduct background research for reports, monitor emerging trends in sustainable finance, and assist in event planning and promotion. The role is designed to provide valuable experience in the field of sustainable finance and environmental policy, while also contributing to the broader mission of UNEP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include writing, editing, and designing communication content for various platforms, including social media and web content. They will manage updates and content development for UNEP FI policy team webpages. The intern will conduct background research for report development and contribute to report writing, focusing on sustainable finance policies and regulatory developments. They will monitor emerging trends in sustainable finance, climate risk, and biodiversity-related policy frameworks. Additionally, the intern will prepare meeting notes, speaker briefs, and other materials for meetings and webinars. Event planning responsibilities will include determining available dates, promoting events, and tracking metrics related to event registration and attendance. The intern will also refine and develop Microsoft Excel pivot tables and maintain communications tracking spreadsheets.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. A background in international policy, communications, journalism, environmental studies, development studies, economics, business administration, or finance is preferred, ideally with some experience in communications through internships or extracurricular activities. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program or in their final year of a bachelor's degree program. Alternatively, they may have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or a copy of the degree certificate must be provided with the application. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to environmental studies, finance, or communications, which will enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to UNEP's mission.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for applicants to the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge through their academic background or extracurricular activities. Experience in communications, research, or environmental policy will be advantageous and is encouraged, as it will help the intern to perform their duties effectively and contribute to the UNEP's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of French, which is another working language of the United Nations, is desirable. Proficiency in additional UN languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship is expected to last for six months, and candidates must submit a completed application, including a Personal History Profile and Cover Note, through the UN careers portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The application must include proof of enrollment, a copy of the degree certificate (if applicable), and a detailed explanation of why the candidate is suitable for the internship. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.